Byllesby Park Master Planning

Goodhue County and Dakota County have hired a consultant, the Hoisington Koegler Group, Inc. (HKGi), to update the master plans for their County parks on both sides of Lake Byllesby. This joint effort will create separate but coordinated master plans that will best utilize the park resources and will guide future development, management, restoration and enhancement of the park. The Counties will be studying park opportunities, recreational needs of the area, park features and amenities, natural resources, interpretive opportunities, and park, trail, and river connections. The master planning process began in July, 2016, and will take approximately one year. There will be several opportunities for public participation during this process.

Why do we need an updated master plan?

In order to receive grant funding, the park or trail must meet the criteria of the Greater MN Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC). One of those criteria is that the park or trail must have a current master plan (10 years old or newer).

Goodhue County last completed a master plan for Byllesby Park in 1994. Updated master plans are needed to reflect changes that have occurred in the last 10-20 years and determine needs for future funding.

The master plan will include a long range (10-25 year) vision for the park and guide future decisions about park activities, amenities, and capital investment.

How can I be involved?

Community open houses and online surveys have been held to gather public input regarding the draft concepts and master plan document. The final draft is currently undergoing revisions, and will be presented to the Goodhue County Parks & Trails Board on November 14th. The final draft will be presented to the Goodhue County Board of Commissioners in December 2017 for their approval.